The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has named former Newport and Pontypool player Lyndon Faulkner as its new chairman. The 66-year-old is the nephew of legendary Wales and Pontypool prop Tony "Charlie" Faulkner and has built a successful career as a businessman in the United States since his playing days.
Faulkner will take over from Richard Collier-Keywood at the WRU's annual general meeting on Sunday, 22 November. His appointment comes as the WRU plans to cut the game's professional tier from four teams to three, with west Wales sides Ospreys and Scarlets vying to avoid becoming surplus to requirements. The WRU has already confirmed that Cardiff and the privately-backed Dragons will continue to exist beyond the 2027-28 season.
The WRU described Faulkner's appointment as "a major coup" and said he can command respect from both the community and professional game and the wider business world. In a statement, Faulkner said: "This is a pivotal time for the game and I will start by listening to those around me and of course remaining open to credible challenge." He added that it was a huge privilege to return to Welsh rugby as chair and give something back to a sport that has helped define him.
Faulkner, who attended Bassaleg Comprehensive School and played centre for Newport and Pontypool, moved into the corporate world after injury ended his playing career. He has held senior roles with Microsoft, Technicolor/Nimbus CD International and Pelican Products, and has lectured at Stanford University Business School and the University of Virginia's Darden Business School. WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said she and Faulkner were ready to form "a formidable team working to advance Welsh rugby at all levels."
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing